Overview

The Sciences and Exploration Directorate is the largest Earth and space science research organization in the world. Its scientists advance understanding of the Earth and its life-sustaining environment, the Sun, the solar system, and the wider universe beyond. The Directorate is part of Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.

Researchers in the Sciences and Exploration Directorate work with engineers, computer programmers, technologists, and other team members to develop the cutting-edge technology needed for space-based research. Instruments are also deployed on aircraft, balloons, and Earth's surface.

The Directorate's researchers share their findings and data with the scientific community. Education and Public Outreach programs explain the science to students and the general public.

Directorate News

This year's Science Jamboree was a huge success. Take a look at the photo gallery.

Parkinson selected for William Nordberg Memorial Award for Earth Science

05.27.2015

Dr. Claire Parkinson has been selected as the recipient for the William Nordberg Memorial Award for Earth Science. The Nordberg Award is presented to a Goddard civil service employee who best exhibits qualities of broad scientific perspective, enthusiastic programmatic and technical leadership on the national and international levels, wide recognition by peers, and substantial research accomplishments in understanding Earth system processes. Claire has been awarded this prestigious honor for her work enabling a deeper understanding of the role of sea ice in the climate system, for outstanding leadership of EOS/Aqua science, and for impressive educational outreach accomplishments.

Emily Wilson and team receive Honorable Mention in Invention of the Year (IOY) Awards for 2014

05.27.2015

The Office of the General Counsel announced the winners of the Invention of the Year (IOY) Awards for 2014. Among the Honorable Mentions is the “Miniaturized Laser Heterodyne Radiometer for Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Measurements in the Atmospheric Column” from Goddard Space Flight Center. Please congratulate Emily Wilson Steel and her team.